Public Relations Specialist

Penn State University • University Park, IL

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State’s Office of Strategic Communications—the University’s central public relations and marketing division—seeks a communications professional, storyteller, and editor to join its team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence and develop communications on a wide range of topics for a vast University community and the public. The Public Relations Specialist will also play an important supporting role in the editorial oversight and production of Penn State Today, the University’s flagship daily community email publication with a circulation of 150,000; lead and support the development of news and feature content on Penn State News, the University’s official news source; and assist with administrative and institutional communications priorities. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career professional to learn and grow alongside a team of dedicated colleagues at one of the world’s top public research universities. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus working. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

• Possess excellent news judgment and exacting attention to detail as an editor
• Have a thorough knowledge of AP editorial style
• Possess a clear writing style and an ability to translate complex concepts into accessible communications
• Be adept at managing relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders, including providing constructive feedback and suggestions to content authors
• Be able to draft high-profile, University-wide communications, anticipating audience questions and considering potential perceptions of the University community and the public
• Have a working understanding of an SEO-forward writing style
• Be highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities with varying deadlines
• Work well both independently and as part of multiple cross-functional, fast paced teams
• Possess a solid work ethic, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills
• Proactively seek opportunities for professional development, learning opportunities, and mentorship
• Have experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop

Responsibilities

• Support the editorial oversight and production of the Penn State Today electronic newsletter, which is sent to students, faculty, and staff across all Penn State campus locations and to external subscribers
• Serve as an important editorial voice for the Penn State News website, the University’s official news source
• Build relationships with communications professionals in units across the University and work closely with them to drive key communications initiatives at the campus, college, and unit levels
• Assist with editing news stories submitted by communications professionals from across Penn State
• Play a key role in monthly monitoring and reporting on overall performance of Strategic Communications’ owned news communications platforms
• Support and advance a multi-channel approach to community-building storytelling efforts, such as student success and employee recognition
• Support University-wide goals and priorities by drafting and executing comprehensive communications strategies and plans, in partnership with internal communications team leaders
• Draft institution-wide administrative announcements, such as appointments, departures, and awards
• Collaborate with colleagues within Strategic Communications and across the University to build strategies that drive maximum engagement with internal and external audiences and amplify positive content
• Enhance multimedia storytelling on official Penn State platforms to support and advance the broader strategic goals of Strategic Communications and the University

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level